Kennedy Boulevard. was flooded in a sea of green as bystanders came to watch police, firefighters, city officials, and marching bands walk in celebration of Irish heritage.

Grandparents Raymond and Nancy Skop said this year’s parade matched some of the grandest parades the city ever had. “I haven’t seen this many people in a decade,” Wendy Skop said. “It’s like old Jersey City today.”

Jersey City's long history of celebrating diversity can be traced as far back as 1963, during the 2nd annual St. Patrick's Day parade.

Included are two videos, one featuring photos from a St. Patrick's Day celebration 49 years ago and another from this past weekend.